Ethekon reveals what he expects from IEBC secretariat during upcoming by-elections
By Faith Lagat, September 18, 2025The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon has declared the upcoming 24 by-elections, slated for November 27, 2025, as a critical evaluation point for the commission under his leadership.
Speaking during a planning meeting with gazetted Returning Officers and staff at Sawela Lodges on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Ethekon underscored the high stakes involved, saying it was a litmus test for IEBC under his watch.
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“As @IEBCKenya plans for these by-elections, know that the expectations are high, scrutiny will be intense, and you should rise to the occasion. The country is anxious and keen to evaluate the kind of commission in place under my leadership,” he said.
Collaboration and delivery
The meeting focused on the operational and logistical requirements for the by-elections, which cover one senatorial seat, six Member of National Assembly positions and 17 Member of County Assembly roles.
Ethekon emphasised a collaborative approach to managing the polls. “I believe in this Secretariat staff and will work with them to deliver the sovereign will of Kenyans. As Chairperson, I’m not only here to provide leadership but also to be led by you to conduct these by-elections. I expect collegiality, mutual respect and collective responsibility from all of us,” he added.
Commission Secretary and CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan reinforced the urgency of readiness for the by-elections and beyond.
“For voters, it is a democratic right; for the Commission, it provides a platform to prove its credibility and dependability. Priorities are clear, including logistic readiness, staff training, effective stakeholder engagements, security coordination, and accurate results management,” he said.
Marjan added, “Each of you carries a responsibility that will define the credibility of the Commission. This is an opportunity to show we are not only ready for the 24 by-elections in November but also the 2027 General Election.”
Building capacity for 2027
Commissioner Marykaren Sorobit urged meticulous planning as the Commission prepares for future polls. “We have faith in our staff because you have the experience. You can only perfect it. Planning is everything; if we get it right, we will deliver the results,” she said.
The IEBC’s preparedness extends to the 2027 General Election, with Ethekon reaffirming its commitment on July 19, 2025. “As the commission embarks on its roadmap for the August 10, 2027, elections, we wish to assure the public of the preparedness of the commission to deliver inclusive, credible, transparent, and peaceful elections,” he stated.
Funding
Ethekon recently disclosed to the National Assembly a Ksh1 billion funding shortfall for the by-elections. “The 16 had been provided for, and we sort of caused a meeting with the treasury… I hope they will unlock that very quickly because the timelines are sensitive,” he noted, with Marjan detailing a Ksh788 million allocation for 16 by-elections and a Ksh258 million gap for the remaining eight.
The Commission is also preparing for Continuous Voter Registration on September 29, 2025, targeting 6.3 million new voters, and issuing guidelines for independent candidates ahead of the polls.